In Maryland, USA, a man who initially intended to buy a $30 lottery ticket but was worried about upsetting his wife opted for a cheaper $20 ticket. Little did he know, this decision led him to win over $1.04 million in prize money.
The Maryland Lottery announced on July 30 that the man, residing in Dundalk, hit the jackpot of $1,045,588. He had already claimed his prize at the company’s headquarters on July 29.
The man shared that he was originally out with a group of friends at a restaurant when he made the life-changing purchase. Despite enjoying his time with friends, he has always had a habit of buying lottery tickets, with his previous biggest win being $1,500. He had intended to grab a $30 ticket at the restaurant.
Concerned that splurging on a ticket might upset his wife, he decided on the $20 option instead. When he learned he had won, his excitement was evident to his friends gathered there.
He exclaimed, “I was almost going crazy when I first realized I hit the jackpot.”
Impressed by the unexpected windfall, a restaurant staff member advised him to immediately sign the ticket and call his wife to share the good news.
Upon returning home, however, he couldn’t find the ticket. Fortunately, it was just his overexcitement that led him to leave his wallet in the car. He eventually located the ticket.
The man revealed that despite his win, he has no plans to drastically change his lifestyle. His retirement life is already comfortable, and his current work is just to keep himself busy. He intends to continue buying lottery tickets for the thrill they bring.
The restaurant where he purchased the winning ticket will receive a $1,000 bonus.
These amusing incidents of winning big prizes due to spouses have also occurred in Michigan in the past.
In a Thanksgiving tale from Michigan in 2022, a woman had an argument with her husband over who should go buy the turkey. After losing the debate, she reluctantly headed out and ended up purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket that landed her a $4 million jackpot.
She noted her gratitude that she was the one who went to the store for the turkey, as had her husband gone instead, she might not have won the substantial prize.